Plan to End Bulk Collection of Phone Data Still Faces Huge Credibility Issues

Statement of Danielle Brian, Executive Director,Project On Government Oversight

Today’s announcement that President Obama has a “workable plan” to end the NSA’s bulk collection of phone data from American citizens is a welcome step towards regaining control of our unchecked national security state.

However, the president’s comments were short on details. The Project On Government Oversight is concerned about what role the secretive Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court will play since that court has shown itself to be nothing more than rubber stamp for our intelligence agencies.

Edward Snowden’s disclosures stand even more significant in exposing the lack of oversight and accountability of our nation’s intelligence gathering apparatus.

President Obama must still close a huge credibility gap with the American public. It’s a gap that has only widened with recent revelations that the CIA has tried to thwart a Senate investigation.

President Obama has pointed his administration in the right direction but there’s still an ocean of reform needed. Congress must approve a “workable plan” that brings more transparency to the FISA Court, must immediately pass the USA FREEDOM Act, and must create safe whistleblower channels for intelligence contractors.

Founded in 1981, the Project On Government Oversight (POGO) is a nonpartisan independent watchdog that champions good government reforms. POGO’s investigations into corruption, misconduct, and conflicts of interest achieve a more effective, accountable, open, and ethical federal government.

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Founded in 1981, the Project On Government Oversight is a nonpartisan independent watchdog that champions good government reforms. POGO’s investigations into corruption, misconduct, and conflicts of interest achieve a more effective, accountable, open, and ethical federal government.